Mahr and the nikah
The basics of the marriage contract.
1 min read · Updated 4 November 2026
What makes a nikah
In general a valid nikah includes the consent of both spouses, an offer and acceptance, the involvement of the wali, witnesses and a mahr. Schools of law differ on some details, so ask an imam you trust.
The mahr
The mahr is a gift from the husband to the wife, and it belongs to her. It does not have to be large. It should be agreed openly and be something he can truly give.
Conditions
Spouses may agree on lawful conditions in the marriage contract, such as where they will live or whether she will continue her studies. Talk about these before the nikah, not after.
Civil registration
In many countries an Islamic nikah has no legal status on its own. Find out what the law in your country requires, and what that means for your rights and those of your children.
This is general guidance, not a religious ruling. For your own situation, please ask a qualified imam or scholar.